Indian American physicians hold highly successful 43rd national convention

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More than a thousand Indian American physicians met in Cincinnati, Ohio for the 43^rd Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI, July 24-27, 2025. It was a highly successful meeting that sought to bridge medical expertise with technological innovation and networking to build a better health care system for future generations.

Among the highlights of the convention was the handover of the gavel from outgoing President Dr. Satheesh Kathula to incoming President Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, as well as Dr. Hetal Gor taking charge as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

The packed schedule included Continuing Medical Education classes, seminars on AI in Medicine, Health & Wellbeing, a Women’s Forum, CEO Forum, Bollywood Extravaganza, Medical Research and Jeopardy contest.

The Convention was held at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter and Northern Kentucky Convention Center, concluding with a colorful gala and the official handing over of leadership.

Dr. Chakrabarty’s executive committee consists of President-Elect Dr. Meher Medavaram, Vice President Dr. Krishan Kumar, Secretary Dr. Seema Arora, and Dr. Soumya Neravetla as Treasurer. Dr. Gautam Kamthan will serve as the President, YPS, and Dr. Priyanka Kolli is the President, MSRF, both, representing the Medical Students and Fellows at the national AAPI.

Dr. Chakrabarty called it a “sacred beginning” for the largest ethnic medical association, and said he was committed to unifying it, and strengthening links with policymakers. “With this new chapter, we honor our heritage, step forward with courage, and vow to lead with integrity.”

AAPI represents the interests of over 120,000 Indian American physicians, Residents, and Fellows, and is the second largest medical organization after the American Medical Association.

Outgoing President Dr. Kathula highlighted the programs and initiatives he and his executive committee had fulfilled in the past year. He presented Presidential Awards to Dr. Bhushan Pandya, Dr. Sunil Kaza, Dr. Vemuri Murthy, and Dr. Dwarkanda Reddy for their accomplishments and contribution to AAPI and to the larger society.  And Dr. Kathula was honored for his outstanding leadership, commitment to AAPI’s mission.

Among the leaders who organized the Convention, Dr. Vijaya Kodali was recognized for her hard work.

At the BOT luncheon, physicians with distinguished achievements were honored with AAPI’s prestigious awards — Dr. Navin Nanda, Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. P K Vedantham, Most Distinguished Physician Award, Dr. Krishan Kumar, Most Distinguished Physician Award, Dr. Jagdish Gupta, AAPI Outstanding Service Award, Dr. Ravi Parikh, Most Distinguished Young Physician Award, and Dr. Avi Singh Gandhi, Most Distinguished MSRF Award.

Winners of the Research/Poster Presentation from across the nation were honored with cash awards.

Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, was a distinguished guest. He spoke about his inspiring journey and his philanthropic work. From being a physician, and working to strengthen US-India relations, establishing a major publishing house with the goal of empowering the younger generation and bringing the American public closer to India. His work as a philanthropist, including with Life Global USA, establishing more than 100 schools in India. As the incoming President of the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, GAPIO, he aims to help train young physicians in India and bring experts from around the world to help improve India’s healthcare services, enable placement of doctors coming to US in various hospitals, and also strengthening exchanges with top universities in US.

Dr. Sunil Kaza, the outgoing BOT Chair, spoke of challenges faced and Dr. Gore shared her journey to becoming Chair of the BOT, and her plans for the future of AAPI.

Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky Jacqueline Coleman was joined for the lamp-lighting and ribbon-cutting ceremony, by Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, and AAPI executives. The national anthems of both the US and India were performed by Dr. Aarti Pandya.

Apart from Dr. Mukkamala and Dr. Reddy, other speakers at the Convention included Dr. Lyuba Konopasek, MD, Senior Vice President, Intealth/ECFMG, Executive Director, FAIMER; Michael Suk, MD, BOT Chair, AMA; George Abraham, MD, Chair, Federation of State Medical Boards.

Dr. Mario Capecchi, a 2007 Nobel laureate in Medicine/Physiology for his contributions to the development of “Mouse knockout technology” delivered the keynote address.

And Dr. Mukkamala, in his keynote address, said, “I’ve been an AAPI member since I started medical school, and I’m an AMA member. But it’s like having a left hand and a right hand that don’t interact much. And that needs to be improved.” He added,  “I’m excited to be the first Indian descent president of the AMA to integrate that more. So that AAPI and the AMA both work together to improve physicians’ ability to take care of patients and the health of this country. Both are critical to make that happen, and if two critical aspects aren’t working together. We can work together, and we can watch them grow exponentially. When we work together, it will be exponential growth for both organizations.”

Kentucky Lt. Governor Coleman praised AAPI members for their sacrifices, adding, “…you are the reason that the Governor and I refer to you as a title you have truly earned, which is Healthcare Heroes. So, thank you for what you do.”

Mayor of Cincinnati Aftab Pureval, shared his life story as a child born to refugees from the Himalayas, to the United States. “And it’s because of trailblazers like you that next generations like me and my brother can pursue our dreams in whatever field that may be. Congratulations everybody! So excited for you to choose Cincinnati, and I hope you have a wonderful conference.”

Artificial Intelligence emerged as a critical theme, with Dr. Suresh Reddy and Dr. Nageshwara Rao explored AI’s transformative potential in healthcare delivery and patient management, while highlighting ethical considerations in medical technology.

Daily morning programs focused on sleep techniques and anxiety management, providing physicians innovative strategies for personal and professional well-being, emphasizing holistic professional development.

The Medical Licensing Forum, led by Dr. Amol Soin, brought together state medical board representatives to discuss critical practice pathways and professional standards.

AAPI executives like Dr. Krishan Kumar, Dr. Neravetla, and others praised the Convention’s collaborative effort to shape the future of healthcare on a global scale.

On July 24^th, AAPI delegates enjoyed a cruise on the majestic River Queen Boat. The Biriyani Nite with Bollywood music on the banks of the Ohio River that went into midnight was yet another experience for the AAPI delegates at the convention.

(The 44th annual convention will be held in Tampa, FL from July 2-5, 2026. For more information on AAPI and the 44th convention, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org. For more details on AAPI, visit: www.aapiusa.org).